Researchers Say Stress Can Shrink And Age Your Brain

12 years, 2 months ago

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Posted on Oct 03, 2006, 10 a.m.
By Bill Freeman

New research has found that stress can shrink brain cells and lead to premature aging of the immune system. In a nutshell, stress can make a person older. However, the good news in the study is that exercise offers a way to counter the effects of stress. In addition, with regard to the mind, long-term impact of stress can be alleviated over time.

New research has found that stress can shrink brain cells and lead to premature aging of the immune system. In a nutshell, stress can make a person older. However, the good news in the study is that exercise offers a way to counter the effects of stress.

In addition, with regard to the mind, long-term impact of stress can be alleviated over time.

Bruce McEwen, head of the neuroendocrinology laboratory at Rockefeller University in New York City told the Healthy Day News, "The brain is very resilient... Give it a chance and it will make every effort to repair itself."

McEwen says when rats are stressed, they lose their "mental flexibility" -- "the ability of the animal to use a familiar set of cues in a different way when the location of a food reward is shifted."

McEwen continues, "Stress hormones act on the brain to remodel it and change it...The brain of a stressed animal or human being is a different brain. It has different capacities, and it may be more anxious and have less ability to pay attention or learn or remember."